Minnesota’s largest cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, sit on opposite banks of the Mississippi River. With a population of 3.7 million, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area is larger than Denver or San Diego but a bit smaller than Seattle or Detroit. Many Carleton faculty and staff live in the Twin Cities and make the easy 45-minute commute to Northfield.
Both cities boast quaint neighborhoods with lots of biking and hiking trails, many lakes (“Minne” is the Dakota word for water), an exciting food scene, sports and entertainment options, and a vibrant cultural life with world class museums. With ample year-round outdoor activities, good schools and public transportation, and a cost of living lower than other large cities, the Twin Cities offer a quality of life that is unparalleled.
Education
Minnesota has long been a national leader in public education, and the Twin Cities are home to diverse and excellent academic opportunities.
Early childhood education and child care
- State of Minnesota: Help Finding Child Care
- Twin Cities Guide to Preschool & Early Education
Housing
Parks and Recreation
The Twin Cities have a vibrant array of activities to keep you entertained. With its vast network of parks, lakes, and bike trails, Minneapolis offers lots of fun activities for you and the family. Similarly, in St. Paul you can spend a day at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, explore “Everyday Poems for City Sidewalks,” plan a picnic at a site with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.
